Urethroscopy is a type of diagnosis of the urethra that is performed in men and is determined by physiological parameters. In addition, this study is used to treat inflammatory processes.
Basically, the examination is carried out with the aim of treating urethritis in men. This is an infection that often occurs with the appearance of a large number of bacteria, viruses and fungi. If the disease is caused by sexually transmitted infections, then it is considered specific, if not, non-specific.
This disease is dangerous in that it can contribute to inflammation in other adjacent organs, the development of painful thrills and, as a result, lead to the need for surgical intervention.
Therefore, it is so important to undergo research in case of problems with the urethra. Before the examination, the patient should also take blood tests to identify other infections in the body. If problems are identified, then an analysis of the activity of other organs can be carried out: the bladder, prostate gland.
Fears and doubts about the procedure
Urethroscopy in men, the reviews of which we put in the article, often causes fear. It is explained by the fact that the procedure seems very painful to patients. Next, we will consider in detail the entire examination process, so that men can dispel possible fears and make a choice in favor of health.
Indications for the study
A study can be scheduled for many reasons. So, according to experts, this procedure may be extremely necessary if the patient, when feeling at the examination, has inflammatory compounds. Or he has observed:
- stress urinary incontinence;
- pain during urination;
- discharge from the urethra;
- there are previous urinary tract infections.
It is also used for biopsy, in the detection of cancer.
When urethroscopy in men is not prescribed
The photo in the article will help you better understand what the study is.
It is not prescribed if the patient suffers from mental disorders, in conditions close to stroke and heart attack, as well as in acute inflammation of other organs.
What types of examinations exist
Modern devices can record a study using a camera and display data on a monitor screen. Visual examination can also help identify malformations and neoplasms, as well as stones and strictures. By the way, when conducting a study, according to reviews, it is possible to remove many of these complications using coagulators.
There are two types of examination - anterior and posterior - depending on the wall of the urethra, where it is performed. Either dry urethroscopy in men is performed when oxygen is pumped into the bladder to stretch the canal, or irrigation when the canal is pulled with a jet of liquid.
The dry type of examination helps to examine the channel along its entire length. And the second view allows you to examine the proximal urethra and the neck of the bladder. According to experts, modern urethrocystoscopes allow you to examine the bladder, as well as perform various necessary manipulations, avoiding separate procedures.
To diagnose problems with premature urination, dynamic urethroscopy is performed. In this case, a cystometer is attached to the urethrocystoscope, it allows you to determine the pressure in the bladder. The patient is asked to cough or push or squeeze the sphincters. In people with incontinence, these actions occur in slow motion.
Research process - what exactly does a doctor do?
Urethroscopy in men - what is it? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider in detail the inspection process itself with the help of an urethrocystoscope. When this instrument is inserted into the urethra , a special tube is used in accordance with the size of the opening on the penis. The technique of the study is such that first the penis is taken with the fingers and the lips of the external opening of the urethra are pushed apart. After that, a rigid endoscope tube is inserted, at the end of which there is an obturator.
The doctor using vaseline oil, glycerin, inserts a tube into the penis before the sphincter. A lamp is inserted through the lumen, then the walls of the urethra are examined. The tools necessary for the examination are disinfected with antiseptic solutions, the surface of the penis and the prepuce bag are treated . After the procedure, the urethra is washed with the same solution.
According to patients, at the time of exit from the prostate to the membranous region, the sphincter can expel the tube spontaneously. But, having overcome this part, the tube enters the anterior region of the urethra, and the doctor can already stand up to continue the examination, standing in front of the screen. Sometimes you have to give the patient to urinate and then resume the examination again.
Being in the urethra, the tube of the endoscope occupies such a position as to create a “central figure”, that is, a place oriented to the lumen of the urethra. According to the state of this figure, as well as the color of the mucous membrane, conclusions are drawn about the health of the organ. The doctor also looks at the type of epithelium, jelly and lacunae, the shape and size of the seed tubercle. Typically, the mucous membrane of a healthy urethra has a color ranging from bright pink to faint red. The mucous membrane is usually smooth and shiny, through which capillaries are visible - they resemble red stripes on a whitish color. Bleeding in the area of ​​the seed tubercle, which happens after intercourse, can also be normal. The epithelium in this case is slightly loosened.
How painful is this procedure?
The examination procedure causes fear in many, many ask themselves: urethroscopy in men - does it hurt? The reason for this is the memories of patients who were examined before the advent of modern tools. Then this procedure took place with pain and turned into stress for the patient.
According to reviews, modern research methods have qualitatively improved this procedure. Today, it is performed using flexible elastic materials, as well as anesthesia, which helps to minimize pain, or even eliminate them altogether.
If the fears and fears before the urethroscopy is performed are quite strong in men, they are offered anesthesia in liquid form. And so that it works, the patient must independently hold the head of the penis for several minutes. Also, before the examination, you need to urinate.
The consequences of the procedure
Although the procedure is safe today, it is believed to cause pain during urination during the first days, as well as minor bleeding. If the bleeding has become profuse or there are consequences such as fever and chills, then you should consult a doctor, because we can talk about accidental infection. This can be avoided by contacting trusted clinics.
A special case may be the rupture of the urethra, more often than its posterior wall. This will also be evidenced by pain during urination. Such phenomena require medical attention. So, how can urethroscopy in men affect health? Its consequences will be insignificant if it is performed by a specialist.
What is used in the examination
The patient is located on a urological chair with footrests. The doctor’s office where the procedure is carried out must comply with the standards and norms of internal research. Indoors, it is necessary to contain drugs for first aid, medicines for patients with cardiovascular diseases, ammonia, antiseptics and antiallergic drugs.
Urethroscopy in men is performed using the following auxiliary instruments:
- urethrocystoscope;
- voltage transformer 2.5 V;
- holders for cotton;
- Coleman's urethral forceps;
- electrodes
- oncology test forceps.
After the study, changes in the urethra can be detected:
- hernias;
- membranes;
- changes in the seed mound;
- leukoplasia;
- bladder tuberculosis.
Diseases from this list can very seriously affect the patient’s health, so diagnosis is of great importance. Urethroscopy in men allows you to immediately prescribe treatment, based on clear data.
In addition, when conducting video surveillance, the patient often has a different understanding of his condition. Many patients come to a healthy lifestyle, seeing everything with their own eyes.